The white sand...the hot sun...cold drink...cute cabana boy. So close, but yet... so far. The only thing standing between you and this dream are your finals.

After 12 semesters (remind me again why I'm getting a second degree?) I have my finals week survival plan down pat. Here are 5 tips to make it through the week alive!

1. Start early. In hindsight, those all nighters I spent with my sorority sisters in the library with gallons of coffee and pounds of snacks were fun, but at the time they were awful. Do not wait until the last minute! During the semester I read the textbook and highlighted the important parts that were explained in the lectures. Then, I take my lecture slides and notes along with my textbook and write out study guides on printer paper. I made sure every chapter can fit on the front and back of one sheet (even if it means writing really tiny)! I use these to study for exams during the semester, and come finals time I already have the study guides made! Just the act of reading through your notes and highlights to make the guide really gets it into your head, so reading them seems like a review. It makes tackling a comprehensive final way easier!

2. Know if you're a night owl or an early bird. This might seem obvious, but it isn't always. For me, I do better at night. I had some friends that would wake up at 5am before and 11am exam and get 6 solid hours of studying in right before the exam. That seemed like such a good idea! Who wouldn't want to take a test after immediately reviewing the material? But for me? I got up, dragged myself to the library and gazed half asleep at my computer until I fully woke up around 9. Not very productive. Instead, I'd rather stay up until 3 if necessary (which it shouldn't be if I didn't wait until the last minute) and then sleep until 9, and be refreshed for the exam. Just because all your friends are up early studying (or up late studying) doesn't mean you should be too!

3. Eat well! Soda and sugary candy seems like all you want when you're crunching for an exam, but I promise your stomach, brain, and grades will thank you for sticking to less sugary options. Think nuts, sweet bell peppers, fruit, and cheese. However, I think it's scientifically proven that after an exam wine is very encouraged. :)

4. Take breaks! Don't let the stress overwhelm you! Set a timer for 30 minutes and walk around, check instagram or watch a TV show. You will focus way better afterwards. I've found that even scrolling through Pinterest for a few minutes puts me at ease, since I get so look at a bunch of pretty pictures of things that inspire me.

5. The self control app. Seriously. Life changing! Through this site you can enter certain websites (think Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Blogger) and set the time. For whatever amount of time you set your browser will not let you on those sites. It's great for limiting procrastination!

Once you're done? Sleep, go for a run, go for drinks, or head to the beach and find that cabana boy! ;)

I can't tell if I'm more excited than usual for spring because I am so over this cold weather or if it's because there are somany great spring items that I have my eye on this season! I am having to fight every urge to not scoop these up and put them in my closet!

Abstract stripes, pockets and clean cut lines; I was sold. I know I already featured Joe Fresh earlier this week, but I love how this brand offers affordable pieces that look much more high-end. The contrast of the pink and navy fall in all the right places, and this is the perfect dress from going day to night. I choose to wear this dress with a simple, nude pumps for an evening of drinks and dinner, but I look forward to pairing it with a cute pair of sandals (thinkingthese that just arrived) when I venture out around town, Happy Friday everyone, I hope the rain stays in the clouds and brunching is at full force!

Bright lips have become increasingly popular over the last year or so and I have to say I've become intrigued. I never thought I would be coveting bright pink lip colors, but I have found myself at the makeup counter amazed by all the gorgeous bright colors. I've been on the hunt for the perfect bright lip color and have put together a few of my favorites. At first, I was definitely way out of my comfort zone, wearing such a bright, vibrant color but the most important thing to remember is just to have fun with it! I most definitely don't wear a bright lip daily, but it is perfect for date night, or a fun night out on the town with your girlfriends!

When I was younger...let's say...5th grade, perhaps...I was spending a few days at my grandparents' house in Jacksonville, NC, and my grandmother gave me a slice of heaven. This heaven, my friends, was her frozen peanut butter pie. I promptly copied the recipe in my 11-year-old chicken scratch and insisted that my mother add it to her dessert repertoire. I have since added it to mine, but because I'm never satisfied to let sleeping dogs lie, I had to change it. While my tastebuds and nostalgia both adore the peanut butter pie, my curiosity chimed in with a resounding "why not try it with Nutella?"

This awkward weather time where it’s not quite warm enough to wear short sleeves, but you’re so sick of sweaters has made me realize just how much I love oxfords. They will always be my go to shirt. They look great with a skirt, shorts, jeans, khakis, or even leggings. They can be dressed up with jewelry or dressed down with layering. Truly the most versatile shirt ever invented. My collection keeps growing, and I’m completely okay with that. I may or may not be writing this post while sitting in a plaid oxford.

So while oxford shirts seem to be the staple for every girls wardrobe today, they actually have been around a lot longer than you would have thought. Considering I wear one almost every day I thought I would dig up a little history about the classic oxford button down.

The oxford shirt has long been an essential part of the Ralph Lauren man’s wardrobe. Originally made in the 19th century by Scottish fabric mills, the oxford shirt is one of four shirt fabrics named after universities. The others —Yale, Cambridge and Harvard—have long since ceased to be produced.

Defined strictly by the oxford weave, a basket-weave pattern that combines two yarns woven lengthwise against a heavier yarn crosswise (oftentimes in a different color to give it a distinctive pattern), or vice-versa, the oxford shirt is easily recognizable. Although some of these shirts are now made with other synthetic fabrics, the look and essence of the original oxford is still present. Oxford shirts frequently, but not always, have button-down collars.

Now associated with the preppy Ivy League style, the oxford shirt was formerly a sport shirt for polo players in England. Polo players would wear long-sleeved oxford shirts for their matches, as the fabric was comfortable and breathable.

The oxford shirt has evolved into an important staple piece in the Ralph Lauren world and is available every season in an array of colors. Incredibly versatile, it is appropriate in many settings. The oxford shirt is the perfect laid-back piece that conveys a sense of ease and comfort while creating a sleek, clean look. It can also be dressed up with a repp tie and a navy blazer for the ultimate in preppy attire, a true nod to the essence of the Ralph Lauren lifestyle.

After reading that I’m not quire sure who’s more obsessed with oxfords, you or me? These are my three favorite colors Ralph Lauren makes. They are perfect in the winter under the sweater and great in the summer with a pair of chinos.

I've come to the conclusion you can never go wrong adding another oxford to your wardrobe.

Headed to an outdoor concert this summer? Check out this AMAZING tutorial on making your own Flower Crown from our friends over at Sorority Stylista! Alpha Xi Delta loves to wear flower crowns, scroll down to learn how to DIY! Enjoy!

“I would rather wear flowers in my hair, than diamonds around my neck!”

Materials:

Fake Flowers

Floral Tape

Floral Wire

Scissors

Ribbon

Step One: Measure the wire across the top of your head to the desired length of where you want your flowers.

Step Two: Arrange the flowers in the order that you want them to be placed on your crown.

Step Three: Wrap the entire length of the wire with floral tape. Then, create two loops at both ends by bending the wire and twisting it a few times (this is where you’ll attach your ribbon later).

Step Four: Now, for the flowers! Simply tear off small segments of floral tape and begin wrapping each flower stem to the wire.

Step Five: Attach two strands of ribbon through the loops that you created earlier, and snip them to your desired length.

AND YOU’RE DONE!Sorority Stylista (sororitystylista.com) is the voice of style, fashion, beauty, and philanthropy created by and for women emerged in and inspired by sorority life. If you love sorority life, style, photography, and blogging, you should launch a Style Chapter or become a part of your existing Style Chapter by joining Sorority Stylista. Be a part of the voice and influence sorority style!

Oh my goodness, I am so excited for Spring and Spring shoe shopping! Don't get me wrong, I love my riding boots, but there's definitely something about bringing out sandals and lightweight tennies that is so refreshing. I could not be more ready to go outside without a coat and snow boots. This year I am thinking about purchasing a pair of plain leather sandals, as well as a bright, fun pair to dress up outfits. Those metallic flip flops are absolutely perfect because they would match with everything, and the pink and blue tribal sandals would be too cute with white jeans. But those seersucker Jack Rogers ;) A must have!

Ever get stuck in that perfect moment of daydreaming about somewhere you have traveled or where to head next? As many of you know, I have been bit by the travel bug and love exploring new places. Lately, it seems like everyone is escaping this weather and traveling somewhere amazing. While we are in the process of planning our next trip, one of my best blogger gals has been lucky enough to leave a week of work behind and jet set to somewhere amazing.I am beyond excited to be guest blogging for Mary-Katherine of The Gold-Hatted Lover while she is vacationing in Europe! She is the sweetest gal and we have formed an incredible friendship through blogging. We had so much fun around the holidays when we collaborated on a post (can check out here and here), I was touch when she approached me to fill in while she's gone. Hop on over to her site (here) to see my go-to item when traveling abroad!

Recently, a lovely reader emailed me asking for tips on time management in college. First I chuckled because all of my friends know me to be a procrastinator, however, I also get work done. Personally, I believe how we manage our time is going to differ from person to person. What works for me, might not work for you. I'm definitely not Type A and I don't have OCD tendencies.

Last semester I took 21 credit hours, had an internship, and also kept this blog here up to date. This semester, I'm a bit overwhelmed with 24 credit hours, 2 part-time jobs, and also, this blog which I see as another part-time job, more on that in a future post. Obviously, I'm a busy person so I figured I would share a few of my time management tips, from a procrastinator for a procrastinator.

1. Use a planner!I keep track of every single homework assignment, sorority event, service project...everything! I utilize the space for each day in the planner and write out what needs to be done that day and the times for it. Seriously, anything I need to do that day I write down - workout time, dinner time, classes, time for homework, breaks, even sleep! I also keep a separate monthly calendar to organize my blog posts for the month!

2. Schedule time for yourself! Fridays after 6 pm until Sunday at noon are my time. This might make me sound like an awful student, but I refuse to do homework during this time. I do enough of that during the week. I use this time to do other work such as writing posts, painting for my Etsy shop, laundry, and cleaning my bedroom.

3. Prioritize! Everyone's priorities are different so I'm not going to tell you homework needs to come first. I have a very unique perspective when it comes to my G.P.A. and personally, I could care less what that number is as long as I get thatfancy piece of paper diploma in May. While I do my best to keep my grades up, with as many credit hours I am taking this semester, I definitely prioritize which ones I'll dedicate more time to than others. If you have the means and time to get a perfect 4.0, all power to you.

4. Keep your professors informed! If you have a crazy schedule and course load, make sure to inform your professors and keep them up-to-date, especially since you might be turning in assignments late. Hey, it happens. It's not going to be the end of the world. I am deadline-oriented...if I'm passionate about the work.

Ok, so I'm probably not the best role model when it comes to grades and I hope you don't take this post as unappreciative of my education. My education means the world to me. I wouldn't be paying for it if I didn't find it to be important. I value my education, but I also value real world experience and financial stability.

Moral of the post, figure out what works best for you when it comes to time management! We all have different priorities and different amounts of time we can dedicate to classes, projects, etc.

Lately, I've been thinking of doing a full office redo. I'm talking new office supplies (yay), decor and revamped furniture. Thankfully, I've come across so many fabulous and inviting office design ideas online, like this gold toned office, this crisp white space, and this one with pops of pink (you can find all of my inspirations here). I plan on incorporating gold tones and clear lucite organizers, with a few splashes of color. What do you think are some things that should make the list for a perfect girly, luxe office?

The Monogrammed Life

Welcome to The Monogrammed Life, a fashion and lifestyle blog owned by Marleylilly - Monogrammed Gifts! Thanks for stopping by! We hope you'll stick around and find some inspiration here. Peace, love, and monograms!